The good vvife: or, A rare one amongst women VVhereto is annexed an exquisite discourse of epitaphs: including the choisest thereof, ancient or moderne. Musophilus.

¶ Vpon a cashered Souldier.

A Souldier not for his desert Cashered was of late, But for the Captaine by his pay, Ment to encrease his state; For which (in want the Souldier beg'd) But could not be relieu'd: As Charity (God knowes) is cold, Whereat the Souldier grieu'd; And swore since warre would doe no good, He now would change his sang, Either to raise his meanes (by stands) Or Souldier-like to hang.

Fate seldome fauours war like men, The case so altered was, As being tane for bidding stand To one that chanc'd to passe, The poore renowme this Souldier got, Downe to obliuion fell; And he for Gantlet (wrapt with Giues) Was brought to second Hell Captiuitie: what should he doe? appeale from Iustice Throne, That bootelesse were, for now his hopes Are fully razed downe. The time approach'd (sad time God wot) When brought vnto the Barre He gaue the Iudge blunt eloquence, Like to a Man of warre: But to be short accus'd he is, What he cannot denie, And therefore by a publike doome He censur'd was to die. But if the Iudge had rightly done, The Captaine (by the way) As he had tane his standing-wage, Should reape his hanging-pay.

Notes

• In Nether¦land.